A reader asked if a driver needs to make a complete stop when making a left-hand turn when there is a flashing red light and there is no oncoming traffic present. The reader sees some people stop and some people make the turn without stopping.

A reader asked if a driver needs to make a complete stop when making a left-hand turn when there is a flashing red light and there is no oncoming traffic present. The reader sees some people stop and some people make the turn without stopping.

The Michigan Vehicle Code gives us a relatively simple answer to this question. Here is what MCL 257.614(1) says about this issue:

(a) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

So essentially, red flashing lights have to be treated the same as a stop sign and a complete stop is required by law. A violation of this could result in a civil infraction, very similar to a ticket for running a stop sign.

Keith Disselkoen is a Community Service Trooper at the MSP Lakeview Post. If you have a question for Trooper Disselkoen, you can email him at asktrooperkeith@gmail.com.